Video: Tielemans backs Rashford’s work ethic, hails Fernandes partnership
Abdullateef Fowewe
Manchester United’s new £35m midfielder Youri Tielemans has defended Marcus Rashford’s professionalism and praised his work ethic, while also describing Bruno Fernandes as a “nightmare” opponent who will be easy to play alongside.
Speaking in his first extended interview since joining United from Aston Villa, Tielemans addressed the narrative that Rashford lacked commitment during his 2024/25 loan spell at Villa Park.
“There had been so much talk about him, bringing pressure and the media around him, but he was so good. He was very humble and hard-working, and from the first training session you could tell his touch and acceleration were just amazing.
“That was what we needed at the time. He did many good things and hopefully he can bring them here,” said Tielemans.
In a separate interview on Rio Ferdinand’s “Rio Meets” series, Tielemans went further, saying the forward’s attitude at Villa contradicted public criticism.
“What surprised me most with (Marcus Rashford) was his commitment.
“There was such a big thing made out of him that he wasn’t committed or wasn’t in it for the right reasons or whatever. You see the player coming in and it was completely opposite from what you hear.
“He was committed, he was doing the work, he was positive with everyone, he was just a normal guy you know,” he added.
The comments come as Rashford reintegrates with United’s first-team squad after his loan at Barcelona ended earlier this summer, with head coach Michael Carrick confirming the England forward is back in the group and training well.
Tielemans also outlined his developing midfield partnership with United captain Bruno Fernandes, describing the Portuguese playmaker’s qualities from an opponent’s perspective before explaining why linking up with him will be straightforward.
“He picks up all the right spaces you don’t want the opponent to pick up and he’s so tidy on the ball. He runs a lot, he’s a competitor, he wants to win for his team, never gives up.
“But now playing with him is going to be very easy. He can pick up the right pockets and I can just find him there and he can create whatever he needs to create and from there we can move forward as a team as a unit and hopefully we can do that together,” he said.
Senior United officials have already noted the natural understanding between the pair in pre-season, with Tielemans setting up Fernandes for a shot that struck the bar in the 1-1 friendly draw against Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg.
